Bari holds workshop on identifying barriers to horticultural crop exports

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (Bari) on Wednesday arranged a day-long workshop on the current status of horticultural crop exports and identification of various barriers to export. 

It was organised at the institute's Kazi Badrudduza auditorium under the programme titled "Preparation of project proposal to develop and implement technologies to overcome the export barriers on horticultural crops". 

It was financed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, according to a press statement. 

Scientists from different divisions of Bari, teachers from different universities, and FAO representatives participated in the workshop. 

Bari Director General Dr Md Nazirul Islam inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest while its Director (Horticulture Research Centre) Dr Abeda Khatun presided over the function.

Director (Research) Dr Md Miaruddin, Agriculture Faculty Dean of Bangladesh Agricultural University Prof MA Rahim, former value chain specialist of FAO Dr Md Saleh Ahmed, National Programme Consultant of FAO and Representation in Bangladesh Dr Farazi Binti Ferdous, and Programme Specialist (Horticulture) of Krishi Gobeshona Foundation Dr Shahabuddin Ahmed were present as special guests. 

Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Olericulture Division of Bari and Team Leader of the project Dr Ferdouse Islam was the keynote speaker on the occasion. 

In his speech as the chief guest, Bari Director General Nazirul said, "At present, about 100 varieties of fresh horticultural crops are exported from Bangladesh to more than 40 countries of the world." 

"The major export markets of Bangladesh are the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, Russia, Italy, and Kuwait. The demand for Bangladeshi horticultural products is increasing day by day in the world market. But we need to improve crop production and post-harvest management in line with international standards to ensure safe and quality export of the produce," he said.

He emphasised focusing on export-oriented production and research. 

"Bangladesh needs to increase the quality of fresh fruits, vegetables, and horticultural products to increase the demand of buyers abroad. Production methods of fresh fruits and vegetables in Bangladesh and other Western countries are completely different. Therefore, besides ensuring safe food production, existing production management also needs to be improved."